Expert advice for contractors: pricing, estimating, and business growth.
Contractor progress payments should keep you cash-flow positive. Use a 40/40/20 schedule tied to project milestones, never time, to avoid funding client jobs.
To file a mechanics lien, send a preliminary notice when starting work, issue a Notice of Intent if unpaid, and record the lien at the county within 90 days.
Under OSHA silica dust rules, dry-cutting tile or concrete without a HEPA vacuum is a $15,625 fine. Learn exact Table 1 compliance and the setup you need.
The best estimating software for handymen lets you send a bid from your truck in under 10 minutes. Compare Joist, Jobber, and Housecall Pro for mobile speed.
Yes, you should charge for contractor estimates. Implementing a $99 consultation fee weeds out tire-kickers and covers your gas, drive time, and expertise.
The section 179 vehicle deduction lets contractors write off a truck's full price in year one, but it isn't free. Here is the real math and cash flow impact.
To properly charge for drywall repair, set a $350 minimum trip fee. Learn how to use flat-rate pricing and texture surcharges to secure a 40% profit margin.
To accurately price a deck, abandon square-foot rates. Calculate your true labor burden, apply a 50% markup on framing lumber, and itemize your hardware.
The average bathroom rough in cost for a standard 3-piece layout is $2,250 to $3,500. This includes $600 in materials, 16 labor hours, and a 35% profit margin.
Unpermitted work liability means you shoulder 100% of the financial risk for a project, voiding your insurance and risking your contractor's license.
The contractor truck tax deduction lets you write off heavy vehicles using Section 179. But buying a $75k truck just to save on taxes kills cash flow.
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